SWIM & EXPLORE – Corsica
You will be swimming daily around the wild coastline of north Corsica. Throughout the week we will explore approximately 4 km/day of the crystal, turquoise waters that surround the rugged landscape of Corsica. Itineraries will be decided by the Swimtrekking instructors that will be guiding and swimming with the group to the final destinations. Swimtrekking will provide you 5 full days of coastal swims and 1 half day of specific coaching before the start of the expedition. During the swims as part of our contribution for the protection of the environment we rescue any plastics we found in the sea.
Equipment
Swimtrekking involves the use of specifically designed equipment.
Each Swimtrekker will tow a light weight, water tight barkino during swims. This is attached to the swimmer by a harness worn around the waist. Barkinos allow swimmers to carry drinking water, aqua shoes, lunch, spare equipment and anything else you will find useful for the days adventure as well as being a visible piece of safety equipment.
In addition to this, Swimtrekking will provide all guests with a mask and snorkel, fins and wetsuit. These items allow you to freely explore your underwater environment whilst giving you the personal protection required. Guests are free to bring along their own equipment. 
About Corsica
Corsica is a land of adventure. Whether you are a sports enthusiast, an epicurean, a culture enthusiast, a nature lover or an experienced gourmet, the island lends itself to a wide range of activities and stays all year round. (Reed more…)
Dates of tours
27 July-o3 August
Please note: for group bookings Swimtrekking can tailor the trip to the group specific needs/requirements/dates.
About the trip
Start point: Marina di Cecina, Cecina.
Start time: 27 July @ 5 pm meet your Swimtrekking Instructors at Marina di Cecina.
Finish point: Marina di Cecina, Cecina.
Finish time: 3 August @ 8.30 am after your last breakfast make your own arrangemments to reach the train station in Cecina.
Typical day Swimtrekking
Saturday – Day 1
Once the boarding is complete, the assignment of the cabins, and the safety briefing, we will leave immediately to the island of Capraia (about 6 hours of navigation). Dinner on board.
Sunday – Day 2
After a swim and breakfast on board, we will depart for Corsica (approximately 4 hours of navigation). We will dedicate our first session to testing equipment in the water and the technique of open water swimming. The first daily excursion of ca.2 km, will be along a wonderful coast near Barcaggio, a small village in the extreme north of Corsica.
After entering the sea, the sailboat will move to the end point of the excursion and be ready to welcome us after the swim.
Monday – day 3
The morning will open with a briefing on the daily activities, which will be integrated with information on weather, marine conditions, and the local flora and fauna. We will move by boat to start our day of swimming with an exploratory character, covering a total of approximately 4 kilometers between the morning and afternoon. After swimming, transfer to a sheltered bay for the night.
Tuesday – day 4
During the morning briefing, we will further explore environmental and naturalist issues related to the specifics of the Marine Protected Area of Corsica and then we will move near Saleccia Beach. We are located in the heart of the Desert des Agriates nature reserve, which extends from Saint Florent to Ile Rousse; it is considered the wildest corner of Corsica. Small reliefs covered by Mediterranean scrub, with an air that smells of essences such as helichrysum. The Desert des Agriates is an ideal location for our excursion. Relaxing and enjoying lunch on the beach. The daily swim will be about 4 km.
Wednesday – day 5
We’ll set off to explore the amazing Gulf of Saint Florent while swimming after an abandoned breakfast. The daily journey always includes 4 km of swimming, which is divided between morning and afternoon. In the evening, walk to discover the pretty Saint Florent, a beautiful old village, and the glamorous seaside. Built in 1440, the citadel is steeped in history that intertwines between Genoa, Aragon, French, Anglo-Corsican, Italian, and Corsica. Delicious!
Thursday – day 6
Sharing knowledge, considerations, and suggestions during our daily briefing is important before we continue our main activity of exploring the seabed by swimming. Today’s main attraction is the west coast of the ‘finger’ of Corsica. The destination for today’s swim is Centuri, a charming village in the northern part of Corsica. A short walk in the village in the evening is a great way to enjoy the quiet pace of this village. Today’s swim will be about 4 km long.
Friday – day 7
Today’s trip includes swimming in the beautiful waters of Capraia and crossing the new ‘Blue Mile’ path for safe swimming in emerald waters. Today we will swim in the beautiful waters of Capraia, also crossing the brand new “Blue Mile”; a path that allows you to swim safely in emerald waters, a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of an extraordinary natural aquarium. The Blue Mile, starts in front of the village of Capraia. During the journey we will visit the Grotto under the magnificent Torre Genovese (1516) the Torretta al Bagno, built in 1979 at the foot of the castle of San Giorgio, built by the Genoese for the defense of the fort. In the late afternoon, we will return to Marina di Cecina. In the late afternoon, we will return to Marina di Cecina. The daily swimming route will be about 4 km.
Saturday – day 8
We will exchange greetings after breakfast. Disembarkation will be at 8:30.
Getting to Tuscany
You need to get to Marina di Cecina and meet with the rest of the crew at the harbor. Best way to reach Marina di Cecina is to travel by train from any Italian destination to Cecina (please find timetable on TRENITALIA website). Once arrived in Cecina best way to get to Marina di Cecina is by bus or taxi. The distance is only 2km so it will be also a good opportunity for a nice walk.
Accommodation
We stay 7 nights in full board accommodation on a 14 meters sailing boat with 3 double bed cabins and 1 bunk bed cabin with on board facilities.
On the boat, the team spirit is what matters most. We will not have any service staff on board; we all have to participate in helping in the kitchen, washing dishes, keeping the boat clean and helping the skipper during the mooring phases, etc.
Food
A continental breakfast is served on board at 8:30; lunches will be a selection of sandwiches, fruit and snacks; traditional Italian dinners e.g. pasta’s, fish etc. are prepared on board each evening. The kitchen can cater for vegetarian and gluten free diets but please ensure you inform us of your dietary requirements on booking.
Temperatures and conditions
July/August – Average air temperature is 27° Average sea temperature is 25° (degrees Celsius).
Sea conditions will vary according to the weather and currents. This all adds to the experience being in open water.
What to bring
On top of your normal clothes you should bring with you:
a waterproof jacket, warm sweatshirt, walking shoes/sandals, sun hat and sun glasses.
There are no guarantees of finding cash points as we will be most of the time navigating so make sure to bring some money for snacks, ice creams alcohol etc.
Equipment
Each participant will tow a lightweight, water tight pack (barkino), in which they can store useful equipment for the swim, e.g. water, spare mask, cameras, clothes for when you reach land etc.
You will also be given a wetsuit, fins and a mask and snorkel to use throughout the trip.
Important information
Approximately daily swimming distance: 4 kilometers.
Program will be supervised by qualified Swimtrekking Instructors and Guides.
Swimtrekking instructors and guides will be responsible for all the camp organization and logistics.
Timing and itineraries can be modified according to the sea and weather conditions and may be cancelled.